Sick Leave in South Africa: What Young Workers Should Know

Nobody plans to get sick. Sometimes you wake up feeling terrible and are simply not able to go to work.

The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) provides employees with sick leave, subject to certain rules.

How much sick leave can you get?

During the first six months of employment, an employee generally gets sick leave equal to the number of days they would normally work during a six-week period.

After that period, during each three-year sick leave cycle, an employee is generally entitled to paid sick leave equal to the number of days they would normally work in six weeks.

This does not mean that you automatically receive six weeks of sick leave every year. The entitlement works over a three-year sick leave cycle.

What if you are sick for one or two days?

If you are absent because you are sick for short periods, there are rules about when your employer can ask for a medical certificate.

An employer may require a medical certificate if you are absent for more than two consecutive days or if you are absent more than once during an eight-week period, subject to the BCEA rules.

Why is a medical certificate important?

If your employer requires a medical certificate and you do not provide one when the law allows the employer to request it, you may not be paid for the relevant absence.

If you are genuinely sick, follow your workplace's process for reporting your absence and getting medical attention when necessary.

What should you do when you are sick?

• Tell your employer or manager as soon as possible.
• Follow your company's sick-leave procedure.
• Visit a medical professional if necessary.
• Get a medical certificate when one is required.
• Keep copies of important documents.

Do not fake being sick.

Sick leave is there for when you are genuinely ill. Using fake medical certificates or lying about being sick can seriously damage your relationship with your employer and may lead to disciplinary action.

Job seeker tip: When starting a new job, ask your employer how you should report sick leave. Knowing the process before you become sick can save you stress when you are not feeling well.